Bo Nix's continued progress could turn Broncos into legit contender

Nix threw zero touchdown passes in his first three starts during his rookie season. However, the 25-year-old overcame the slow start, finishing with the league's sixth-most touchdown passes (29 in 17 regular-season games). 

Nix's improvement throughout the 2024 season helped him build confidence, which could permeate throughout the rest of the team. 

"The way he looked in the spring, the way he came back, his confidence is going to radiate through the whole team," Broncos left tackle Mike McGlinchey said, per DNVR's Zac Stevens. "He's going to be a great player for us this year."  

Nix still has skeptics. ESPN's Ben Solak questioned his ability to carry an offense in a June story analyzing second-year QBs. That likely stemmed from the Oregon star making few explosive plays.

Nix ranked 32nd out of 36 eligible QBs in completed air yards per pass attempt last season (4.5), via Pro Football Reference. (This stat measures the distance the ball travels from the line of scrimmage through the air.) 

Broncos head coach Sean Payton may let Nix take more downfield shots in 2025, especially after showcasing his arm strength last season. In a Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he launched a 51-yard TD pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. late in the fourth quarter. 

The Broncos haven't won a playoff game since the 2015 season. The Buffalo Bills trounced them 31-7 in the AFC wild-card round last season. 

The team has the talent to make a deeper run this season. ESPN's Seth Walder, Mike Clay and Aaron Schatz rank Denver's roster as the sixth-best in the league. All the Broncos need is Nix to keep ascending.